The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of plotting to turn Nigeria into a one-party state through a wave of governors’ defections.
Its interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made the allegation in a statement released on Wednesday.
Abdullahi said the defection of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri confirmed the party’s long-held fears. He alleged that President Bola Tinubu is determined to weaken democracy and silence opposition voices.
Mbah defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC on Tuesday, while Douye followed a day later. Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno had earlier joined the ruling party.
The ADC said the defections did not strengthen the APC but exposed what it called “a political conspiracy against the people.”
“These governors have abandoned their citizens to join a party that has brought hardship and frustration,” Abdullahi said.
He added that Nigerians now suffer daily from the APC’s poor governance. According to him, the party’s failures in security, economy, and healthcare have worsened living conditions nationwide.
“Even those who once campaigned for the APC now hide their support. The Tinubu administration has failed to deliver safety, jobs, and dignity. Prices rise daily, and families struggle to survive,” he stated.
Abdullahi stressed that opposition leaders must stand with the people and present alternative ideas instead of chasing power. He said the defecting governors had chosen self-interest over responsibility.
“The ruling party may celebrate, but we see a clearer divide between those serving the people and those serving themselves,” he said.
He concluded that the 2027 elections would mark a direct contest between Nigerians and what he called “Tinubu’s ruling coalition.”
